Operating apparatus

ABSTRACT

An operation device is provided with an outer support section  1   c  which projects towards an outer face of a button  1 , an inner support section  1   e  which projects towards an inner face of said button  1 , a maintaining section  5   b  which is provided on a decorative front panel  5  and which maintains said outer support section in free rotation, a maintaining section  3   a  which is provided on a button depression member  3  and which maintains said inner support section  1   e  in free rotation and a flange  1   b  which is provided continuously on the outer edge of the aperture of the button  1 . Thus it is possible to provide a smaller device than the conventional example while maintaining the rigidity of the outer support section  1   c . A smaller button  1  and smooth see-saw operation can be realized as well as reductions in escaped light.

This application is the national phase under 35 U.S.C. §371 of PCTInternational Application No. PCT/JP98/04945 which has an Internationalfiling date of Oct. 30, 1998, which designated the United States ofAmerica.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to an operation device which is used inan car audio system and which performs the switching of input operationsby the so-called see-saw method.

PRIOR ART

An operation device which performs various kinds of switching operationsis provided, for example, in a control panel of a car audio system. Thistype of device is provided with a depressable button (hereafter simplycalled “button”) for performing the switching of input operations by theso-called see-saw method between two functions such as fast-forwardingor reversing a cassette tape. Furthermore the button of the operationdevice is formed so as to be illuminated from the rear so that thebutton is visible in darkness.

A conventional device will be explained below with reference to theaccompanying figures. FIG. 22 is a schematic perspective view of aconventional operation device. FIG. 23 is a plan view of a button. FIG.24 is a lateral view of button. FIG. 25 rear view of a button. FIG. 26is a lateral view of a button. FIG. 27 is a cross sectional view alongthe line 27—27 of FIG. 23. FIG. 28 is a cross sectional view along theline 28—28 of FIG. 22. FIG. 29 is a cross sectional view along the line29—29 of FIG. 22. FIG. 30 is a cross section view of the operation of abutton.

In the figures, reference numeral 31 is a button which operates aswitching input operation by a see-saw operation and is formed in a boxshape with an aperture 31 a. The button 31 is formed by a transparentresin. 31 b is a flange which is formed on the outer edge of theaperture 31 a. 31 c is a cylindrical spindle which acts as a point ofsupport for the see-saw operations. The spindle 31 c projects so as toco-planar with the surface of the flange 31 b from both sides of thebutton 31 and is maintained in free rotation by the maintaining sections33 a, 35 b to be discussed below. 31 d is a notch which is provided inthe flange in proximity to the spindle 31 c. 32 is a printed wiringboard, 33 is a button depression section, 33 a is a maintaining sectionwhich is provided at a position which corresponds to the notch 31 d ofthe button depression member 33 and which supports the spindle frombelow. 34 is a cushion member which returns the button 31 to apre-operational position after operation. 35 is a decorative panel, 35 ais a button through hole which allows the passage of the button 31, 35 bis a maintaining section which together with the maintaining section 33a supports the spindle 31 c in free rotation. 36 is a switching elementwhich is depressed by see-saw operations of the button 31. 37 is a lampwhich illuminates the button 31 from the rear.

The operation of the invention will be explained below.

As shown in FIG. 30, when a button 31 is depressed in the direction ofthe arrow in the figure, the button 31 inclines by rotating about thespindle 31 c. In doing so, the flange 31 b pushes the cushion member 34which undergoes elastic deformation. On the other hand, when pressure isapplied to the switch element, a defined input operation is performed.When pressure is no longer applied to the button 31, the button ispushed back due to the rebounding force of the cushion member 34 andreturns to a pre-operational position.

The button 31 is illuminated by a lamp 37 during operations in darknessand so its visibility is ensured.

Another conventional example will be discussed below.

FIG. 31 is a component figure of another conventional device. FIG. 32 isa plan figure of a button. FIG. 33 is a lateral figure of a button. FIG.34 is a rear figure of a button. FIG. 35 is a lateral figure of abutton. FIG. 36 is a cross sectional view along the line 36—36 of FIG.32. FIG. 37 is a cross sectional view along the line 37—37 of FIG. 31.FIG. 38 is a cross sectional view along the line 38—38 of FIG. 31. Inthe explanation below, those components which have already beenexplained are referred to by the same reference numerals and theirexplanation will be omitted.

In the figures, reference numeral 41 refers to a button which performsswitching input operations by a see-saw operation and is formed in a boxshape which has an aperture 41 a. The button 41 is formed from atransparent resin. 41 b is a flange which is continuously formed alongthe outer edge of the aperture 41 a. 41 c is a cylindrical spindle whichis the point of support for see-saw operations. The spindle 41 cprojects so as to be co-planar with the surface of the flange 41 b fromboth sides of the button 41 and is maintained in free rotation by themaintaining sections 33 a, 35 b.

The operation is the same as the first conventional example which hasbeen explained above and so will not be repeated.

Since the conventional operation device is constructed in such a way, inorder to maintain the operation space of the maintaining section 35 bwhen the button 31 is operated, a notch 31 d must be provided on theflange 31 b. Thus the problem arises of light from the lamp 37 escapingfrom the notch 31 d.

Furthermore in order to perform smooth see-saw operations, it isadvantageous that the spindle 31 c is formed with a small diameter, andthe frictional resistance of the maintaining sections 33 a, 35 b isreduced. However in consideration of the rigidity of the spindle 31 c,the effective minimum diameter is limited which thus increases theproblem of reducing frictional resistance.

Furthermore returning the button 31 after the switching operation to aninitial position requires a separate operation of the cushion member 34.Thus this entails problems of an increased number of components andassembly operations as well as increases in costs.

Since the conventional device is constructed as above, although it ispossible to prevent light of the lamp 37 from escaping by a flange 41 bformed on the entire circumference of the button 41, the problems havearisen that the spindle 41 c of the button 41 b projects more than theflange 41 b and that the outer diameter of the button 41 is increased.Tokkai-Hei-9-223437 discloses a conventional device with the object ofpreventing light escaping without inhibiting the miniaturization of thedevice.

The present invention is proposed to solve the above problems and hasthe object of providing an operation device which can reduce escapinglight when a button is illuminated, which allows the miniaturization ofthe device. The present invention also allows the smooth performance ofthe see-saw operation of the button.

The present invention allows a button to return to a pre-operationalposition after a switching input operation without the use of a separatecushion member which allows a reduction in costs.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises an outer support section which projectstowards an outer face of said button, an inner support section whichprojects towards an inner face of said button, a maintaining section forsaid outer support section which is provided on a front wall face andwhich maintains said outer support section in free rotation, and amaintaining section for said inner support section which is provided ona button depression member and which maintains said inner supportsection in free rotation.

In this way, rigidity may be maintained and a smaller outer supportsection than the conventional device may be formed. Thus it is possibleto miniaturize the device and smoothly perform see-saw operations.

The present invention employs a cushion member which is provided on thebutton depression member as a button return member.

In this way, it is possible to return the button to a pre-operationalposition with a simple structure.

The present invention uses an elastic piece which is integrated with themaintaining section of the button depression member as a button returnmember.

In this way, it is possible to reduce the number of separate componentssuch as the cushion member, to simplify assembly procedures and toreduce costs.

The present invention provides an illumination element which illuminatesthe button of an operation device, which is provided with a cushionmember, from the rear. The illumination element is provided on amounting board. A flange is provided which is continuous with the outeredge of the aperture of the button.

In this way, it is possible to reduce escaping light.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a component perspective figure of a first embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective figure of a button.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective figure of a button shown in partial crosssection.

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective figure of a button.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a button.

FIG. 6 is a lateral view of a button.

FIG. 7 is a rear view of a button.

FIG. 8 is a lateral view of a button.

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view along the line 9—9 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view along the line 10—10 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view along the line 11—11 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the proximity of the outer supportsection of the button in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view along the line 13—13 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view showing the operational state of abutton.

FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective figure of a second embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view along the line 16—16 of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view along the line 17—17 of FIG. 15.

FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of the proximity of the outer supportsection of the button in FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a cross sectional view along the line 19—19 of FIG. 15.

FIG. 20 is a cross sectional view showing the operational state of abutton.

FIG. 21 is a cross sectional view of an application of an elastic piecewith a modified thickness.

FIG. 22 is a schematic perspective figure of a conventional operationdevice.

FIG. 23 is a plan view of a button.

FIG. 24 is a lateral view of a button.

FIG. 25 is a rear view of a button.

FIG. 26 is a lateral view of a button.

FIG. 27 is a cross sectional view along the line 27—27 of FIG. 23.

FIG. 28 is a cross sectional view along the line 28—28 of FIG. 22.

FIG. 29 is a cross sectional view along the line 29—29 of FIG. 22.

FIG. 30 is a cross section of the operation state of a button.

FIG. 31 is a schematic perspective figure of another example of aconventional operation device.

FIG. 32 is a plan view of a button.

FIG. 33 is a lateral view of a button.

FIG. 34 is a rear view of a button.

FIG. 35 is a lateral view of a button.

FIG. 36 is a cross sectional view along the line 36—36 of FIG. 32.

FIG. 37 is a cross sectional view along the line 37—37 of FIG. 31.

FIG. 38 is a cross sectional view along the line 38—38 of FIG. 31.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in furtherdetail below with reference to the accompanying figures.

Embodiment 1

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective figure of a first embodiment of thepresent invention. FIG. 2 is a front perspective figure of a button.FIG. 3 is a front perspective figure of a button shown in partial crosssection. FIG. 4 is a rear perspective figure of a button. FIG. 5 is aplan view of a button. FIG. 6 is a lateral view of a button. FIG. 7 is arear view of a button. FIG. 8 is a lateral view of a button. FIG. 9 is across sectional view along the line 9—9 of FIG. 5. FIG. 10 is a crosssectional view along the line 10—10 of FIG. 1. FIG. 11 is a crosssectional view along the line 11—11 of FIG. 1. FIG. 12 is an enlargedview of the proximity of the outer support section of the button in FIG.11. FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view along the line 13—13 of FIG. 1.FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view showing the operational state of abutton.

In the figures, reference numeral 1 refers to a a button which performsswitching input operations by a see-saw operation and is formed in a boxshape with an aperture 1 a. 1 b is a flange which is formed continuouslyon the outer periphery of the aperture 1 a. 1 c is an outer supportsection which acts as a support point for see-saw operations and whichprojects outwardly from the center of the outer wall of the button 1 sothat it is coplanar with the flange 1 b. The outer support section ismaintained in free rotation by the maintaining section 5 b which isexplained below. The upper end face of the outer support section 1 c isformed in a semi-circle so as to reduce the frictional resistance withthe maintaining section 5 b to be discussed below and its base isintegrated continuously with the flange 1 b. The outer support section 1c maintains a sufficient rigidity by being continuously integrated withthe flange 1 b and the outer wall face of the button 1 and the outerdiameter of the above semi-circle shape is formed so as to be smallerthan the conventional example.

1 d is an indentation which is formed as an operational space for themaintaining section 5 b to be explained below. 1 e is an inner supportsection which acts as a point of support for see-saw operations. Theinner support section 1 e projects inwardly from the central inner wallface of the button 1 and is mounted on the maintaining section 3 a. Thelower section of the inner support section 1 e is formed in asemi-circular shape. The center of that semi-circle and the center ofthe semi-circle of the outer support section 1 c are mounted on the sameline so as to become the rotational center of the button 1. This type ofbutton 1 is integrated with a resin that has a light dispersingcharacteristic (such as PC resin or ABS resin) so as to have a fixedtransparency.

2 is a printed wiring board (mounting base), 3 is a button depressionmember which is mounted on the printed wiring board 2 and on which isarranged a maintaining section 3 a (maintaining section for innersupport section) which maintains the abutment with the inner supportsection 1 e from below. In other words, the maintaining section 3 adiffers from the conventional maintaining section 33 a in that it isarranged at the position at which the button 1 is enveloped. The buttondepression member 3 can be formed from the same material as the button1. 4 is a cushion member (button return member) which is mounted on thelower section of the button 1 for returning the button 1 to apre-operational position after the application of pressure to the button1. For example, it may be formed by sponge rubber, urethane foam, or thelike.

5 is a decorative panel (front plate), 5 a is a button through-holewhich allows the passage of the button 1, 5 b is a maintaining section(maintaining section for outer support section) which projectsdownwardly from the rear face of the decorative panel 5 in order tosupport the outer support section 1 c in free rotation. 6 is a switchelement which is arranged on the printed wiring board and which ispressured when the see-saw operation of the button 1 is performed. 7 isa lamp (illumination element) which is arranged on the printed wiringboard and which illuminates the button 1 from the rear and which may forexample be formed by using LED or the like.

Although the operation device above was described as using one buttonfor the sake of simplicity, it is possible to use a plurality of buttonsas required when the operation device is applied to the operationalpanel of a car audio.

The operation of the invention will be explained below.

As shown in FIG. 14, when a button 1 is pressured from the direction ofthe arrow in the figure, the button 1 slopes about the rotational centerof the outer support section 1 c. In this way, while the flange 1 bpressures the cushion member 4 which undergoes elastic deformation, theother switching element 6 is pressured and so a defined input operationis performed. When the pressure on the button 1 is released, the buttonis returned by the elastic force of the cushion member 4 and returns toa pre-operational position.

Since the outer diameter of the upper end face of the outer supportsection 1 c is formed so as to be smaller than the conventional example,it is possible to reduce the frictional resistance between the outersupport section 1 c and the maintaining section 5 b during the see-sawoperation of the button 1 and thus to perform pressuring operations moresmoothly than the conventional example.

During operation in darkness, the visibility of the button 1 ismaintained by the lamp 7. At such times, since a flange 1 b iscontinuously formed on outer edge of the aperture 1 a, the amount oflight of the lamp 7 which escapes from the button through hole 5 a isreduced.

As shown above, according to embodiment 1, since a button 1 ismaintained by an outer support section 1 c and a maintaining section 5b, and an inner support section 1 e and a maintaining section 3 a, it ispossible to form a device which has a smaller degree of projection ofthe outer support section 1 c and a smaller outer diameter of the upperwall face than the conventional example. It is also possible tocontinuously form a flange 1 b on the outer edge of the aperture 1 a.Thus a small sized button 1 may be formed which can smoothly performsee-saw operations together with a reduction in the amount of lightwhich escapes when the lamp is illuminated.

Embodiment 1 above was explained with a lamp 7 provided on a printedwiring board 2 and a flange 1 b provided on a button 1. However theinvention is not limited in this respect and when the device is notoperated in darkness, such components need not be provided.

Embodiment 2

FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective figure of a second embodiment of thepresent invention. FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view along the line16—16 of FIG. 15. FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view along the line 17—17of FIG. 15. FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of the proximity of the outersupport point of the button in FIG. 17. FIG. 19 is a cross sectionalview along the line 18—18 of FIG. 15. FIG. 20 is a cross sectional viewshowing the operational state of a button.

In the figures, 10 is an elastic piece (button return member) which isintegrated with one of the maintaining sections 3 a of the buttondepression member 3 so as to abut with the lower face of the flangesection 1 b. The elastic piece returns to a pre-operational positionafter pressure is applied to the button 1. In other words, it may beused instead of the cushion member 4 above. The letter t represents thethickness of the elastic piece 10.

The operation of the invention will be explained below.

As shown in FIG. 20, when the button 1 is depressed in the direction ofthe arrow in the figure, the button 1 slopes about the rotational centerof the outer support section 1 c. In this way, while the flange 1 bpressures one end of the elastic piece 10 which undergoes elasticdeformation, the other switch element is pressured and a fixed inputoperation is completed. When the pressure is released from the button 1,the button returns to a pre-operational position due to the elasticforce of the elastic piece 10. Other operations are the same as those ofthe first embodiment and will not be explained again.

As shown above according to embodiment 2 of the present invention, apartfrom obtaining the same effect as the first embodiment, it is possibleto reduce the number of separate components such as the cushion member4, to simplify assembly procedures and reduce costs by the integratedformation of an elastic piece 10 on the button depression member 3.

Embodiment 2 was explained on the basis that an elastic piece 10 wasprovided on one of the maintaining sections 3 a. However the inventionis not limited in this respect and elastic pieces may be provided onboth maintaining sections 3 a and the same effect as described abovewill be obtained.

Furthermore as shown by FIG. 21, it is possible to freely change theoperation of the button 1 by changing the elastic force through the useof an elastic piece 20 of a different thickness (for example two timesthe thickness of the elastic piece 10 in the figure). FIG. 21 is a crosssectional view showing an example of the invention as adapted to anelastic piece of modified width.

Furthermore the present invention was explained with a lamp 7 providedon the printed wiring board 2 and a flange 1 b provided on the button 1.However the invention is not limited in this respect and such componentsneed not be provided when the device will not be used in darkness.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As shown above, an operation device according to the present inventionis adapted to a car audio or the like which requires reduction in lightescaping when the button is illuminated, reductions in the size of thebutton and smoothness of see-saw operations.

What is claimed is:
 1. An operation device comprising: a mounting board provided with at least a switching element, a front plate, a button depression member arranged between the mounting board and the front plate, a button maintained in a reciprocating position with respect to the front plate by the button depressing member and by the front plate, the button pressuring the switching element, and a button return member returning the button when a pressure has been released, to a pre-operational position, wherein the operation device further comprises; an outer support section projecting towards an outer face of the button and providing an activation support point when the button reciprocates, an inner support section projecting towards an inner face of the button and providing an activation support point when the button reciprocates, a first maintaining section for the outer support section, provided on the front plate and for maintaining the outer support section in free rotation, and a second maintaining section for the inner support section, provided on the button depression member and for maintaining the inner support section in free rotation.
 2. The operation device according to claim 1, wherein the button return member includes a cushion member which is mounted on a button depression member.
 3. The operation device according to claim 1, wherein the button return member is integrated with the second maintaining section of the button depression member.
 4. The operation device according to claim 1, wherein an illumination element is provided on the mounting board illuminating the button from the rear and a flange is provided continuously on the peripheral edge of an aperture of the button.
 5. An operation device comprising: a mounting board provided with at least one switching element and at least one illuminating element; a front plate; a button formed approximately in a box shape having at least four walls defining an aperture, the aperture having a flange formed continuously on at least the outer periphery thereof, the flange arranged between the mounting board and front plate, the flange for engaging the at least one switching element; an outer support section projecting from a central portion of an outer face of at least two walls of the at least four walls of the button and integrated with the flange, the outer support section providing a first activation support point when the button reciprocates; an inner support section projecting from the central portion of an inner face of the at least two walls and providing a second activation support point when the button reciprocates; a first maintaining section provided on the front plate and engaging the outer support section in a first direction, the first maintaining section for maintaining the outer support section in free rotation; a second maintaining section provided on a button depression member and engaging the inner support section in a second direction opposite the first direction, the button depression member located between the flange and the mounting board, the second maintaining section for maintaining the inner support section in free rotation; and a button return member returning the button when a pressure has been released, to a pre-operational position; wherein the button is maintained in a reciprocating position with respect to the front plate in that the inner and outer support sections are engaged in cantilevered relation by the button depressing member and by the front plate.
 6. An operation device comprising: a mounting board provided with at least one switching element; a front plate; a button formed approximately in a box shape having at least four walls defining an aperture, the aperture having a flange formed continuously on the outer periphery thereof, the flange arranged between the mounting board and front plate, the flange for engaging the at least one switching element; an outer support section projecting from a central portion of an outer face of at least two walls of the at least four walls of the button and integrated with the flange, the outer support section providing a first activation support point when the button reciprocates; an inner support section projecting from the central portion of an inner face of the at least two walls and providing a second activation support point when the button reciprocates; a first maintaining section provided on the front plate and engaging the outer support section in a first direction, the first maintaining section for maintaining the outer support section in free rotation; a second maintaining section provided on a button depression member and engaging the inner support section in a second direction opposite the first direction, the button depression member located between the flange and the mounting board, the second maintaining section for maintaining the inner support section in free rotation; and a button return member returning the button when a pressure has been released, to a pre-operational position; wherein the button is maintained in a reciprocating position with respect to the front plate in that the inner and outer support sections are engaged in cantilevered relation by the button depressing member and by the front plate. 